The USDA released significant changes earlier this year and schools are now preparing to create a food environment that many parents strive for their children when at home;
- Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week;
- Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods;
- Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties;
- Limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and
- Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium.
The changes will be phased in over the next 3 years; the initial changes will be focused on school lunches. This is a step in the right direction, but we know change is hard. Eating healthier is more expensive and our school districts don’t necessarily have extra money just lying around. The job of being a school cook is often underappreciated and misunderstood.
We urge you be patient and understanding with what your school is going through. Ask questions and get involved! The intended outcome is well worth it; children having access/ability to eat healthier foods while at school. Which we can link to improved performance in school and maybe a happier child when they come home from school.
For more information on the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act check out:
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